Fatal NTSB investigations
2,320 cases where NTSB found Aircraft oper/perf/capability.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 171 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 154 |
| 2010 | 136 |
| 2011 | 168 |
| 2012 | 161 |
| 2013 | 142 |
| 2014 | 165 |
| 2015 | 138 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 132 |
| 2018 | 142 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2022 | 108 |
| 2023 | 110 |
| 2024 | 83 |
| 2025 | 8 |
Where
Latest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '0106'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '0106')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN25FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass.NTSB ERA25FA230Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20F · Beverly, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to return to the airport which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the improperly installed No. 2 cylinder bottom spark plug by maintenance personnel,…NTSB ERA25FA201Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Yulee, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the opening of the nose baggage door and subsequent distraction of the pilot…NTSB WPR25FA145Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Cottonwood, CAThe flight instructor’s delayed response to an improper landing approach and runway overshoot, which resulted in an impact with an airport perimeter fence and trees.NTSB ERA25FA151Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · LaFayette, GAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while landing and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB WPR25FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Ririe, IDThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to maneuver the helicopter at a low altitude, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.NTSB ANC25MA018Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportTextron 208B · Nome, AKThe National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s inadequate airspeed management due to workload and degraded situation awareness and his improper inputs leading up to and during the aerodynamic…NTSB CEN25LA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Batesville, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.NTSB ERA25FA071Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMagni Builder M-16 · Foley, ALThe sport pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during initial climb, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA25LA023Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Nicholasville, KYThe pilot’s loss of control in flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN25FA019Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Houston, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a lighted radio tower during a visual night flight. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to issue a safety alert notifying the pilot of the flight’s unsafe proximity to the tower.NTSB WPR25FA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Las Cruces, NMThe pilot’s entry into an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA25FA020Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGeisz Gilbert A Lancair 360 · Cross City, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover. Contributing to the accident was the total electrical failure, which likely resulted in a loss of airspeed indication.NTSB CEN25FA006Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C99 · Norfolk, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the fatigue failure of the compressor turbine fan disk blade.NTSB ERA24FA397Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Kill Devil Hills, NCThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a go-around attempt, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR24FA313Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Provo, UTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB ERA24FA391Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat S-1-11B · Chapmansboro, TNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while performing an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in the airplane entering an inverted flat spin at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB WPR24FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Lancaster, CAThe CJ-6A pilot’s failure to maintain separation and the Yak pilot’s failure to monitor the other airplane during a detachment, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB CEN24FA346Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSonex Sonex · Sulphur Springs, INThe pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA24FA371Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vergennes, VTThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to properly…NTSB WPR24FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing A75L3 · Yacolt, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at a low altitude in mountainous terrain in moderately high density altitude conditions, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24FA340Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Anderson, INThe pilot’s inadequate airspeed management during the missed approach which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and loss of control at low altitude.NTSB ERA24FA365Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5 · Rockmart, GAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing attempt, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic…NTSB CEN24LA332Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportApex CROSS-5X · Columbus, NEThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the aircraft after takeoff.NTSB WPR24FA290Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAero Commander 200D · Novato, CAThe pilot’s failure to abort takeoff or compensate for gusty crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion.NTSB ANC24FA085Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · McGrath, AKThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN24FA327Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Wayne, NEThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN24FA326Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S19 · Crofton, NEThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of low cloud cover and precipitation which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR24FA270Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182K · Augusta, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into a rugged mountain area in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24FA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172F · Brazoria, TXThe pilot’s failure to attain adequate airspeed for takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff after not maintaining directional…NTSB CEN24FA295Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Irene, SDThe pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR24FA257Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Recluse, WYThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction from the autopilot disconnecting due to an…NTSB WPR24FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Izee, ORThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering through an area of low visibility due to wildfire smoke and haze.NTSB ERA24FA323Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Trenton, METhe pilot’s aggressive pitch and power control inputs while executing a missed approach, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR24FA252Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTextron T206H · Kneeland, CAThe pilot’s delayed decision to perform a go-around after an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a loss of control, runway overrun, and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA24FA318Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Ronkonkoma, NYA loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of engine power and his decision to perform an intersection takeoff which, reduced…NTSB CEN24FA278Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Oxford, INThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering during an agricultural flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.…NTSB CEN24FA277Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair ES · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering for traffic spacing.NTSB ERA24FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208 · Youngstown, NYThe pilot’s loss of control in flight which resulted in the airplane impacting the ground at a high rate of speed and descent.NTSB ERA24LA316Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV · Palmyra, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA24FA308Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B-60 · Vienna Center, OHThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during a single-engine go-around. Also contributing to the accident was fuel system contamination, which resulted in detonation and a total loss of left engine power.NTSB ERA24FA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 402B · Aguadilla, PRThe pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with known maintenance discrepancies, which resulted in a total loss of right engine power. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while returning to the airport with a single…NTSB WPR24FA238Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Helena, MTThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness during the water scoop due to task overload while operating in a multi-airplane tactical firefighting environment, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and the airplane’s collision…NTSB WPR24FA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportFantasy Air Sro Allegro 2007 · Eureka, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight upset and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA226Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Eatonville, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid trees, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN24FA248Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Scorpion 133 · Andale, KSThe pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low-G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and subsequent severing of the tailboom by the main rotor blades.NTSB WPR24FA225Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGame Composites GB1 Gamebird · Irwin, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a spin maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery and subsequent failure to properly arrest the spin, which resulted in a secondary stall and an impact with terrain.NTSB ERA24FA292Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · Lock Haven, PAThe student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN24FA243Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWaco YKC · Selden, KSThe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which had not been forecast at the time of departure, and which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR24FA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Big Creek, IDThe pilot’s delayed decision to go around after descending below the recommended abort altitude with a slight tailwind and an over-gross-weight airplane, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…